Clinical Research Directory

Comparing Traditional Semantic Feature Analysis (tSFA) and Semantic Feature Analysis + Metacognitive Strategy Training (SFA+MST)

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effectiveness of traditional Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA) treatment to a modified SFA protocol that includes Metacognitive Strategy Training (SFA+MST) for adults with acquired aphasia. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What are the comparative outcomes in picture naming accuracy and strategy use during picture naming following 2 months of traditional SFA versus SFA + MST in adults with acquired aphasia? * What are the comparative outcomes in percent of informative content and rate of informative content during spontaneous speech production following 2 months of traditional SFA versus SFA + MST in adults with acquired aphasia? Researchers will compare outcomes between these two treatments to see if SFA+MST yields larger effects in picture naming and spontaneous speech outcomes than traditional SFA. Participants will complete: * 5-7 pre-treatment assessment sessions where they will be asked to name pictures, tell stories/describe pictures, answer questions, and complete questionnaires, * 3 treatment sessions of SFA \*OR\* SFA+MST per week for 8 weeks, for a total of 24 sessions, * 7 weekly probes (i.e., short, intermittent assessments throughout the treatment phase), * 3 post-treatment assessment sessions immediately after treatment ends, where they will complete the same assessment tasks as they did pre-treatment (e.g., naming pictures, telling stories, etc.), * 2 retention assessment sessions, one 30 days and the other 60 days following the final treatment session, where they will be asked to name pictures, tell stories/describe pictures, and describe what they learned during the study.

Acupuncture + Neuromodulation for Post-Stroke Aphasia

The aim of this clinical trial is to assess the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture combined with neuromodulation techniques for the treatment of post-stroke aphasia and to explore the brain mechanisms involved. The study seeks to answer two primary questions: the effectiveness of the integrated intervention of acupuncture and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on post-stroke aphasia, and the mechanisms underlying language function impairment and recovery. The research is divided into two parts: Part One: Participants will be randomized into two groups: Group A: Receives low-frequency rTMS followed by high-frequency rTMS. Group B: Receives high-frequency rTMS followed by low-frequency rTMS. Part Two: Participants will be randomized into four groups: rTMS Experimental Group: Individualized targets and intervention methods based on integrated fMRI and behavioral data. The rTMS intervention involves continuous treatment for two weeks, 5 sessions per week, each lasting 10-25 minutes, at 80% of the active motor threshold (AMT). rTMS Control Group: Standard rTMS protocol guided by clinical recommendations, with continuous treatment for two weeks, 5 sessions per week, each 20 minutes, at 80% AMT. Electroacupuncture Group: Points include Speech Area 1 (Yan Yu Yi Qu 1), Speech Area 2 (Yan Yu Yi Qu 2), Fengchi (Fengchi, GB20), Tiantu (Tiantu, CV22), Tongli (Tongli, HT5), Lianquan (Lianquan, CV23), and Paralianquan (Pang Lianquan). After needle insertion and obtaining Qi, electrical stimulation is applied with a discontinuous wave at 2Hz, at a tolerable intensity for the patient, for 30 minutes each session. Combined rTMS and Electroacupuncture Group: Combines both intervention methods as described above.